Rajie Cook and the Icons That Shape Our World

Design Inspiration

Visually Mag

March 18, 2025

Lost in translation at airports or train stations? You might not realize it, but the intuitive symbols guiding you—like those for restrooms or telephones—are the brainchild of Rajie Cook, a visionary Palestinian-American graphic designer. His work transformed public spaces, making them universally navigable.

Born on July 6, 1930, in Newark, New Jersey, Rajie Cook entered the world as Rajie Suleiman. His parents, Najeeb and Jaleela, hail from Ramallah, Palestine, and bring rich cultural heritage to their American lives. However, in a classic tale of American assimilation, a schoolteacher deemed "Rajie" too complex, leading to the adoption of "Roger"—a name he used professionally for much of his career. It wasn't until later in life that he reclaimed his birth name, embracing his Palestinian roots with pride. '

In 1967, Rajie Cook co-founded Cook and Shanosky Associates, a graphic design firm that would leave an indelible mark on public spaces worldwide. Their most iconic project emerged in 1974 when the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recognized the need for standardized symbols to guide travelers across diverse environments. Collaborating with the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), Cook and his team embarked on a mission to create a universal visual language that transcended linguistic barriers.

The process began with an exhaustive survey of existing pictograms from around the globe, drawing inspiration from sources as varied as Tokyo International Airport and the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. The team evaluated these symbols based on legibility, international recognizability, and resistance to vandalism. This rigorous analysis informed the design of 34 initial pictograms, each carefully crafted to convey essential information without words. Symbols representing amenities like restrooms, telephones, and first aid stations became standardized, ensuring that travelers, regardless of their native language, could navigate public spaces easily.

Rajie Cook played a pivotal role in designing the iconic pictograms that enable individuals, regardless of language, to navigate public spaces with ease.

The impact of these designs was profound. The pictograms were lauded for their clarity and simplicity, earning them the nickname "Helvetica of pictograms," a testament to their design excellence and widespread adoption. Their success led to an expansion in 1979, with 16 additional symbols added to address emerging needs in public signage.

Cook's work not only set a new standard for public signage in the United States but also influenced international design practices. The principles established by Cook and Shanosky Associates have been integrated into various public spaces, from airports to hospitals, embodying a universal design ethos that prioritizes user experience and accessibility.

In recognition of this groundbreaking work, the Symbol Signs project was accepted into the collections of the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, and The Smithsonian Institution in 2003, cementing its status as a milestone in design history.

Through this project, Rajie Cook and his firm demonstrated the power of thoughtful design in enhancing everyday experiences, making complex environments navigable, and setting a precedent for future public information systems.

Cook's contributions didn't go unnoticed. In January 30, 1985, President Ronald Reagan presented him with the Presidential Award for Design Excellence, a testament to the profound impact of his work on public infrastructure and design.

On January 30, 1985, Rajie Cook (right) receives the Presidential Award for Design Excellence from President Ronald Reagan, with Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole observing.

After a prolific career in graphic design, Cook ventured into the realm of assemblage art in 1999. Drawing inspiration from artists like Joseph Cornell, he began creating sculptural pieces that often addressed social and political issues, particularly those concerning the Middle East. These "boxes," as he called them, were more than art—they were narratives, reflecting his deep-seated concerns for human rights and the plight of Palestinians.

Rajie Cook's sculptural assemblages, such as "The Key (A Shared Jerusalem)," reflect his deep commitment to human rights and his Palestinian heritage.

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All Flights Cancelled, sculptural assemblage, 2006

After retiring from graphic design, Rajie Cook channeled his Palestinian heritage and advocacy for human rights into sculptural assemblages. Drawing inspiration from his travels with the Presbyterian Church's Middle East Task Force, he transformed everyday objects—such as keys, rocks, and dolls' heads—into poignant artworks. For example, his cast-iron bird entwined with a Palestinian flag and barbed wire symbolized a dove of peace unable to fly free. These pieces not only reflected his deep concern for Middle Eastern issues but also solidified his role as a humanitarian and peace advocate.

From left to right: “Home Sweet Home”, “Rock and Load”, “Thirst for Justice”, “Resolutions Ignored”

In 2017, Cook penned "A Vision for My Father," a memoir that intertwines his personal journey with reflections on his Palestinian identity. The book serves as a tribute to his parents and offers insights into the immigrant experience, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of maintaining one's cultural identity in a foreign land.

In his memoir "A Vision for My Father," Rajie Cook intimately explores the father-son bond within the Palestinian experience.

Rajie Cook passed away on February 6, 2021, in Newtown, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence our daily interactions with public spaces. His work serves as a reminder of the power of design to bridge cultural divides and the enduring impact of embracing one's heritage. So, the next time you effortlessly find your way in a bustling airport or navigate a foreign city, take a moment to appreciate the universal language crafted by Rajie Cook—a testament to his vision of a more connected and understanding world.

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